Relatives of a 25-year-old woman ransacked a private clinic in Gaibandha’s Palashbari upazila early Saturday following the deaths of the patient and her newborn- reportedly caused by medical negligence.
The deceased were identified as Parul Begum, 25, wife of Shamim Mia from Bisramgachhi village in the same upazila. Both Parul and her baby died at Maa Clinic and Nursing Home, located in the upazila headquarters.
According to family members, Parul- already a mother of two- was admitted to the clinic on Friday for a cesarean delivery. As her condition deteriorated, the clinic authorities began surgery around 11pm that night. However, by 4am on Saturday, both Parul and her newborn were declared dead.
Relatives alleged that the clinic staff attempted to conceal the deaths and arranged an ambulance to transfer the bodies to Rangpur, which further fueled their suspicion.
Enraged by the incident, Parul’s family and local residents stormed the clinic, damaging furniture and equipment. They also set part of the facility on fire.
Upon receiving information, a team of police and Bangladesh Army rushed to the scene and managed to bring the situation under control.
Palashbari Fire Station Officer Robiul Islam said, “We received reports of arson at the clinic but the staff had managed to extinguish the fire before we reached.”
Md Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, officer-in-charge of Palashbari Police Station, said law enforcers were deployed in the morning to restore order. “Neither the victim’s family nor the clinic authorities have filed a written complaint. We will take necessary action if one is lodged,” he added.
